Magic Squares may be the death of me. We worked hard today to create Magic Square Puzzles. I was flying around the room trouble shooting and helping students. They were so into it, I loved the environment. Only one student, Zoe, stumped me. I couldn't not figure out why her square didn't work. So, I have homework. I am hoping to have a set of problem available by conference time. Stop by the classroom during conference times and check out all the Math Around the World activities we've been doing.
MAP Testing begins next week, but since we meet in the afternoon there shouldn't be any disruptions to our schedule during the testing window.
I will be in the classroom during conferences, so feel free to stop by and see me. If you'd like a private conference email me and I will get back to you with an available time.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Second Grade Update
Today was a crazy day and your children were wonderful in the way the dealt with the interruptions due to group picture day for the yearbook photos. This event caused us to have many interruptions. We were jable to complete Lesson 10 of Hands-On Equations. But, I will review Lesson 10 again when I see your children next.
There is no class next week due to the MAP testing. I will be proctoring testing and don't have a time for a make-up next week. I will see the second graders next on Friday, April 13. I will see the children on Fridays for the rest of April. I will be diligent about letting the kids know so they are able to have their binders here at school. I am sorry for the messy schedule. We'll get back to our regular Wednesday classes in May.
We also finished the last two visual puzzle problems from Max the Magician.
I will be in the classroom during conferences if you'd like to see me. I will have Hands-on Algebra set up so you can take a stab at the same problems your children are completing.
There is no class next week due to the MAP testing. I will be proctoring testing and don't have a time for a make-up next week. I will see the second graders next on Friday, April 13. I will see the children on Fridays for the rest of April. I will be diligent about letting the kids know so they are able to have their binders here at school. I am sorry for the messy schedule. We'll get back to our regular Wednesday classes in May.
We also finished the last two visual puzzle problems from Max the Magician.
I will be in the classroom during conferences if you'd like to see me. I will have Hands-on Algebra set up so you can take a stab at the same problems your children are completing.
Fourth Grade Update - March 27
Yesterday the students presented their Lewis and Clark individual projects.
I emphasized over and over that this is a learning experience and I want them to simply show their best effort.
That said...
I was blown away by the effort most of the students put into their work. Often, children who don't have to work very hard to learn, take the easy way out when doing projects. I am convinced that when allowed to choose their topic, within a set of guidelines, they will rise to the occasion. Had I simply told them all to make a speech, or write a report, the work would not have been nearly as good. However, I emphasized that these options are not always the norm and that anytime they are showing their knowledge they should do their best work.
The visual projects will be on display in the classroom during conferences. So, during Parent-Teacher Conferences feel free to stop by the room and chat if you have a question or concern or just want to see the wonderful work of your children. I'll be hanging out here to be available. I will post a note on the door with a possible return time if I'm away.
I emphasized over and over that this is a learning experience and I want them to simply show their best effort.
That said...
I was blown away by the effort most of the students put into their work. Often, children who don't have to work very hard to learn, take the easy way out when doing projects. I am convinced that when allowed to choose their topic, within a set of guidelines, they will rise to the occasion. Had I simply told them all to make a speech, or write a report, the work would not have been nearly as good. However, I emphasized that these options are not always the norm and that anytime they are showing their knowledge they should do their best work.
The visual projects will be on display in the classroom during conferences. So, during Parent-Teacher Conferences feel free to stop by the room and chat if you have a question or concern or just want to see the wonderful work of your children. I'll be hanging out here to be available. I will post a note on the door with a possible return time if I'm away.
First Grade Update - March 27
Each week I've been doing mini-lessons on a time relevant topic. Tuesday's lesson was on April Fool's Day. I gave a very brief history of the day and then we did some word puzzles to have fun and learn at the same time. The first lesson was a serious of jokes. The children were given a word bank and then had to read the joke and figure out the answer. I'm sure you'll hear these either during the week or on Sunday. They are so excited to share the really funny ones.
Then we did a secret code. Ask your child to show you the code. It was easy to fill in, but not so easy to read.
Last, they made words using the letters in April Fool's Day. How many words could you make? We talked about rhymes to help make words, as well as common letter combinations. It was really interesting to see what they came up with. Many of the children had more than 30 words on their lists.
Then we worked on our Jordan the Judge activity. You will see the results of this next week. I don't want to spoil the surprise. Look for a letter from your child. After you read the letter ask them about what their considerations were when they wrote the letter. (tee hee).
There will not be GATE next week due to the MAP testing and specialists schedule changes. I am working out a way to make up classes the week of April 12 and 19 so we don't miss too many hours.
During Parent-Teacher Conferences feel free to stop by the room and chat if you have a question or concern. I'll be hanging out here to be available. I will post a note on the door if I'm away with a possible return time.
Then we did a secret code. Ask your child to show you the code. It was easy to fill in, but not so easy to read.
Last, they made words using the letters in April Fool's Day. How many words could you make? We talked about rhymes to help make words, as well as common letter combinations. It was really interesting to see what they came up with. Many of the children had more than 30 words on their lists.
Then we worked on our Jordan the Judge activity. You will see the results of this next week. I don't want to spoil the surprise. Look for a letter from your child. After you read the letter ask them about what their considerations were when they wrote the letter. (tee hee).
There will not be GATE next week due to the MAP testing and specialists schedule changes. I am working out a way to make up classes the week of April 12 and 19 so we don't miss too many hours.
During Parent-Teacher Conferences feel free to stop by the room and chat if you have a question or concern. I'll be hanging out here to be available. I will post a note on the door if I'm away with a possible return time.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Kindergarten Update - March 26
We had a real thinking day today. We began by making words from a set of seven letters. Ask your child to show you all the words they made. We had a wonderful discussion about word sounds as well as vowels, consonants, and syllables.
Next we learned about attributes. We played a game using attribute blocks. This was quite challenging. Ask your child if they can explain the word attribute and what four attributes did we look at with the blocks. There is a commercial game called SET that is an attributes game. If your child had fun today, you may want to look for it at Barnes and Noble or other stores that have a good selection of thinking games.
Next we learned about attributes. We played a game using attribute blocks. This was quite challenging. Ask your child if they can explain the word attribute and what four attributes did we look at with the blocks. There is a commercial game called SET that is an attributes game. If your child had fun today, you may want to look for it at Barnes and Noble or other stores that have a good selection of thinking games.
Conference Week & Testing
It's that time again. I hope you all had a restful vacation. I know I did my best to relax.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
I will be available on a first come, first seen basis for conferences. If you would like to meet at a specific time, please email me at llecours@ucityschools.org so that I can make a note on my schedule. Otherwise, I will be in the classroom and available to whomever shows up at my door. Do not feel you must come see me, it is totally up to you. I keep in contact with most everyone, so there shouldn't bee any surprises at this point.
The next written report will come home with the last report card.
TESTING
MAP testing begins next Tuesday, April 3 and goes through Thursday April 19. I will be assisting with the fifth grade testing, so there will be some disruption to the morning classes. I will pickup first and second graders as I can on the testing days.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
I will be available on a first come, first seen basis for conferences. If you would like to meet at a specific time, please email me at llecours@ucityschools.org so that I can make a note on my schedule. Otherwise, I will be in the classroom and available to whomever shows up at my door. Do not feel you must come see me, it is totally up to you. I keep in contact with most everyone, so there shouldn't bee any surprises at this point.
The next written report will come home with the last report card.
TESTING
MAP testing begins next Tuesday, April 3 and goes through Thursday April 19. I will be assisting with the fifth grade testing, so there will be some disruption to the morning classes. I will pickup first and second graders as I can on the testing days.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Fourth Grade Update - March 13
Lewis and Clark, that is what today was all about. I gave the children the entire day to use the resources I have in the classroom to do the research necessary for their independent Lewis and Clark projects. Most everyone finished the research.
During the next class, on March 27, I will give about half an hour at the beginning of class for a few students to make their visual element before we begin giving our presentations. PLEASE, if you need any supplies, let me know.
Have a wonderful Spring Break.
During the next class, on March 27, I will give about half an hour at the beginning of class for a few students to make their visual element before we begin giving our presentations. PLEASE, if you need any supplies, let me know.
Have a wonderful Spring Break.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Third Grade Update - March 7
Your child has some homework that I have told them they may work on with you or another GATE student. They MAY NOT use the internet to find the solution. So, what is it, it's the 4 x 4 Magic Square. They will use the numbers 1 through 16 and each line must equal 34. Today they worked on writing equations using four numbers that would equal 34 and some students began trying to insert the numbers to the grid.
I will not see your children again until March 28 so they have THREE weeks to try to solve the puzzle. Good Luck.
I will not see your children again until March 28 so they have THREE weeks to try to solve the puzzle. Good Luck.
Second Grade Gate - Update March 7
Today's Hands-On Equations lesson taught the concept of opposite numbers. In our system x and * are opposites. So, if x = 2, then * = -2. The students also learned the word evaluate, which in this context means solve. The initial problems told the students the value of either x or *, they then had to solve the equation given to balance the scale. In the review problems they were thrown a couple of curves too. The last two problems were different to solve than any thing they had seen so far. It is really wonderful to see how they don't even slow down, they solve the problems without realizing they've done something new.
Last week Dr. Blumberg visited our class. She was so impressed with the focus of your children. She commented that not one student was off task while working and all were eager to get to their work after the demonstration. This shows the power of the program and how engaging it is for students. I hope you are reviewing the work your child completes. If you see a check mark, that means they may have made a mistake while initially solving the problems bu then went back and corrected their work.
The children also finished up their secret codes from last week and then moved onto a visual puzzle called Reflection Dominoes. Ask your child to explain this to you. It sounds simple, but the eyes really play tricks on you when looking at similar shapes.
SPECIAL NOTE: There will be no class next week as I'll be joining the fifth graders on their trip to Springfield, IL. I will see second graders after Spring Break, on March 28.
Last week Dr. Blumberg visited our class. She was so impressed with the focus of your children. She commented that not one student was off task while working and all were eager to get to their work after the demonstration. This shows the power of the program and how engaging it is for students. I hope you are reviewing the work your child completes. If you see a check mark, that means they may have made a mistake while initially solving the problems bu then went back and corrected their work.
The children also finished up their secret codes from last week and then moved onto a visual puzzle called Reflection Dominoes. Ask your child to explain this to you. It sounds simple, but the eyes really play tricks on you when looking at similar shapes.
SPECIAL NOTE: There will be no class next week as I'll be joining the fifth graders on their trip to Springfield, IL. I will see second graders after Spring Break, on March 28.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Fourth Grade Update - March 6
All three groups finished their timelines today. You can see the finished products outside our classroom, Room 213.
I also passed out the individual project guidelines. Students were allowed to pick their own project from more than 10 choices. Once they got the instructions, I asked them to carefully read over the directions to make sure they didn't have any questions. I answered very general questions today, but if your child has a more specific question, please let me know.
The internet is NOT allowed for these projects. If your child uses the internet, they must find the information in one of the hundred plus books I have available in the classroom or they may go to any public library and check out their own book. They are to keep a bibliography with the title, author and pages used for their research. Some students are doing the same project. They are NOT allowed to work together on these. I really want to force the issue of independent work.
I also passed out the individual project guidelines. Students were allowed to pick their own project from more than 10 choices. Once they got the instructions, I asked them to carefully read over the directions to make sure they didn't have any questions. I answered very general questions today, but if your child has a more specific question, please let me know.
The internet is NOT allowed for these projects. If your child uses the internet, they must find the information in one of the hundred plus books I have available in the classroom or they may go to any public library and check out their own book. They are to keep a bibliography with the title, author and pages used for their research. Some students are doing the same project. They are NOT allowed to work together on these. I really want to force the issue of independent work.
First Grade Update - March 6
Three flat students came back from their adventures today. We heard from Flat Samantha, Flat Lucy and Flat Erin. The children LOVE getting these stories. We figured out today that the flat people have traveled to 16 states and four countries outside the USA. This has been a wonderful project that has us waiting each week to see where we will learn about next.
I also introduced our last PETS character, Jordan the Judge. We learned about what a judge does and then did a couple of activities that required us to use FACTS to make decisions. We'll be working on Jordan throughout the month and then probably into April as well.
There will be no class next week as I am taking fourth and fifth graders to the Equations competition. I'll see the first graders again on March 27, after spring break.
I also introduced our last PETS character, Jordan the Judge. We learned about what a judge does and then did a couple of activities that required us to use FACTS to make decisions. We'll be working on Jordan throughout the month and then probably into April as well.
There will be no class next week as I am taking fourth and fifth graders to the Equations competition. I'll see the first graders again on March 27, after spring break.
Fourth Grader in the News
Just in case you haven't heard, fourth grade GATE student Gabe Fleisher was on the front page of the Post Dispatch today. Even the Weatherbird gave a nod to Gabe. Very Cool.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/university-city-fourth-grader-is-political-junkie/article_c6a34bd3-220f-51dd-988a-9a35cbe5bb90.html
Congratulations Gabe.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/university-city-fourth-grader-is-political-junkie/article_c6a34bd3-220f-51dd-988a-9a35cbe5bb90.html
Congratulations Gabe.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Kindergarten Update - March 5
The children completed three different activities today. The day began with a Franklin the turtle story. This led to a word puzzles like the others they've been doing on line. This is the last on line puzzle. Next week, I'll move to an activity called Making Words. I'll be giving the clues and we'll see how many words we can make.
Next, we did some more logic puzzles. I kept these at school. I'll have all the thinking activities available at Spring conferences on March 29 and 30th. I hope you'll stop by the classroom and see what we've been doing.
Last, we worked with tangrams. The tangram is a seven piece puzzle set that can be used to form hundred of different things. Today the children were given 32 different puzzles to solve. They were allowed to choose whichever ones they wanted to do, but they had to stick with it until it was solved.
Next, we did some more logic puzzles. I kept these at school. I'll have all the thinking activities available at Spring conferences on March 29 and 30th. I hope you'll stop by the classroom and see what we've been doing.
Last, we worked with tangrams. The tangram is a seven piece puzzle set that can be used to form hundred of different things. Today the children were given 32 different puzzles to solve. They were allowed to choose whichever ones they wanted to do, but they had to stick with it until it was solved.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Fifth Grade Update - March 1- Updated again March 2
The inventions are fabulous. I am in awe of the imagination and ingenuity of your children. We had a great day sharing the inventions and working on advertisements.
While the children were working on their ads I reviewed the Invention Logs. Many of the children need to work on their Invention Logs. It seems they didn't really think the list of items to be put in the log were really supposed to be there. So, many had time to begin finishing their logs, but there is more work to do. Please check with your child and see what work they might need to complete to be ready for the Invention Museum display next week.
The inventions will be on display from 1:20 - 2:30 on Thursday, March 8. I hope you can make it over to school to see the wonderful work the students have done.
HOMEWORK: Double check your Invention Log, make sure it is complete.
IMPORTANT DATES:
March 8 - Invention Museum 1:20 - 2:30 pm
- Citizenship Assembly - 2:30 pm
March 12 - Music Program 2:30 pm & 6:30 pm
(Arrive early to prepare for evening concert. Check with your classroom teachers and Mrs. Harris for the exact time.)
March 13 - Equations Tournament for those participating. Leave Flynn at 9:00 am return around 1:00 pm
March 14 - Field Trip to Springfield IL
March 15 - NO GATE class
March 16 - March 25 - No School - Spring Break
March 29 & 30th - Parent Conferences - No GATE on Thrusday the 29th unless I can get them for a brief time right before they get out at 1:20.
MAP Testing Window is April 2 - 27 - The actual testing dates and times have not yet been set, so we'll be flexible and meet when we can.
April 5 - No GATE - Mrs. Lecours will be out of town.
While the children were working on their ads I reviewed the Invention Logs. Many of the children need to work on their Invention Logs. It seems they didn't really think the list of items to be put in the log were really supposed to be there. So, many had time to begin finishing their logs, but there is more work to do. Please check with your child and see what work they might need to complete to be ready for the Invention Museum display next week.
The inventions will be on display from 1:20 - 2:30 on Thursday, March 8. I hope you can make it over to school to see the wonderful work the students have done.
HOMEWORK: Double check your Invention Log, make sure it is complete.
IMPORTANT DATES:
March 8 - Invention Museum 1:20 - 2:30 pm
- Citizenship Assembly - 2:30 pm
March 12 - Music Program 2:30 pm & 6:30 pm
(Arrive early to prepare for evening concert. Check with your classroom teachers and Mrs. Harris for the exact time.)
March 13 - Equations Tournament for those participating. Leave Flynn at 9:00 am return around 1:00 pm
March 14 - Field Trip to Springfield IL
March 15 - NO GATE class
March 16 - March 25 - No School - Spring Break
March 29 & 30th - Parent Conferences - No GATE on Thrusday the 29th unless I can get them for a brief time right before they get out at 1:20.
MAP Testing Window is April 2 - 27 - The actual testing dates and times have not yet been set, so we'll be flexible and meet when we can.
April 5 - No GATE - Mrs. Lecours will be out of town.
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